Google Sketchup Tip: Field of View

I came across this tip the other day and thought I would share it on this blog.  If you have ever been modeling and wished that you could see more inside the window without zooming out, then this tip is for you.  Many times, zooming out doesn't work because there is an object or wall that will come between the 'camera' and what you are looking at in Sketchup.  By changing the field of view you can increase or decrease what is shown in the window.

The video above is quite thorough but I would like to add one note.  If you are a photographer, you know that different lenses can be characterized by their zoom or 'field of view.'  A 20mm lens is more of a wide angle lens than a 300mm zoom lens.  You can also input the desired field of view in Sketchup as millimeters instead of an angle.

I hope that this tip helps you in your sketches!

Google Sketchup 3d Basecamp

It's official.  I was selected randomly to go to the Google Sketchup 3d Basecamp.  Basically, it is a seminar or conference all about Sketchup.  I will have the opportunity to head down to the Googleplex and hear some speakers on some great topics.  Here are a few of the topics that I am most looking forward to:

-Working with large models

-Sketchup and Digital Photography

-Taking your models into Photoshop

-Working with terrain and other irregular surfaces

-Sketchup and Autocad

Here is a complete schedule of events and topics for the Basecamp

I will be sure to take plenty of photos and share all the great information that I learn.

Intelisum - Processing LIDAR Data

I got an email back from google answering a few questions I had.  One of my questions was how to convert LIDAR data into 3d buildings quickly and easily.  She sent me a link to a program that is supposed to streamline the process of converting LIDAR data for use in 3d cad programs.  Here is a snippet from their website.

InteliSum, Inc. has developed innovative and patented 3-D InteliCamera™technology that fuses LIDAR XYZ coordinates, digital image (RGB) data, and geophysical position (GPS) information to create Life Dimensional™ image (LD3™) files. Our intelligent pixel (InteliPixel™) technology allows easy capture of 3-dimensional objects and environments, plus fast, seamless transition (transfer) into computer aided design (CAD) software.

I think we will try the demo of this software and see how well it works.  I will let you know how it works.  If there are other programs that some of you may know about that are used to process LIDAR data, let us know.

http://www.intelisum.com/